Carnival Guinness World Record

Carnival Cruise Lines successfully set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest beach ball during a “Fun Crowd” event hosted by the cruise line in downtown Dallas on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008.  Two of the giant beach balls, officially measuring 36 feet in diameter as determined by a professional surveyor, were dropped from the tops of buildings and into a crowd of more than 2,500 people.  At approximately 1 p.m., Guinness adjudicator Danny Girton, Jr. officially announced that the record had been set.

The event, which was emceed by Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald, also featured live music, free food, street performers and a variety of giveaway items including a drawing for five free cruises on the Carnival Ecstasy, which operates year-round Mexico voyages from Galveston.

The Fun Crowd event in Dallas is to be followed next weekend by another one in Philadelphia during which the cruise line will attempt to break the Guinness record for the world’s largest piñata.  Both events are serving as a kick-off to the cruise line’s new branding campaign designed to capture the truly unique essence of the Carnival vacation experience, which embodies spirited and spontaneous fun.  As part of the new campaign, the line has introduced a new tag line – ‘Fun For All. All For Fun.’

Official Press release (abridged) Carnival Cruise Lines dated 27 October 2008.

More Balconies Added

Carnival Cruise Lines will add balconies to 98 existing staterooms aboard the 2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation during a 35-day scheduled dry dock taking place in January 2009.

Ocean view staterooms will be retrofitted with new balconies that will extend from the ship and measure approximately 230 square feet.  Twenty-four of the new balcony staterooms will be located mid-ship on both the port and starboard sides and 12 will be located near the stern, while the other 62 will be located within the aft section of the ship, with several of these cabins featuring extended balconies.  

Additionally, a number of the Carnival Sensation’s suites will be modified to feature larger, extended balconies to create a more spacious area from which to enjoy panoramic sea views. 

The stateroom modifications are just one aspect of the ship’s extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, all part of the line’s wide-ranging “Evolutions of Fun” product enhancement initiative. Carnival Sensation’s “extreme makeover” will also include a previously announced Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, Serenity adults-only area, and a redesigned tropical-themed main pool area.

Additionally, all staterooms will be completely refurbished, as well as virtually all dining, dancing and entertainment venues.  Guest corridors will be renovated and a new “Circle C” facility catering to 12- to 14-year olds will be added, as well.

Carnival Sensation currently operates year-round three- and four-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla.  On this route, three-day cruises depart Thursdays and call at Nassau while four-day voyages depart Sundays and visit both Nassau and Freeport.

The 70,000-ton SuperLiner is part of the line’s 22-vessel “Fun Ship” fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.  The line currently has two ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Carnival Sensation’s new and extended balcony staterooms will be open for reservations October 24, 2008.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 15th October 2008.

Carnival Fantasy Resumes Schedule

The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy has resumed its popular four- and five-day cruise schedule from New Orleans following a 28-day dry dock that included the addition of an expansive new water park, exclusive adults-only area, redesigned main pool and a new “Circle C” facility for 12-to 14-year-olds.  

The ship’s suites and dining venues were also renovated and new dining options such as a Mongolian wok and rotisserie were added.

The new features are part of the line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight Fantasy-class ships.

In conjunction with the Carnival Fantasy’s resumption of service from New Orleans, the company has partnered with five New Orleans-based radio stations on a promotion called “Give Fun Back,” which kicks off Oct. 20 and is designed to reward deserving individuals with a “Fun Ship” cruise vacation. Based on nominations submitted by listeners, five winners will be selected, with each receiving a complimentary cruise on the Carnival Fantasy for up to four guests.
 
Exciting New Top-Deck Enhancements
A signature element of Carnival Fantasy’s new “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park towering over Verandah Deck. Designed with all-ages appeal, the sprawling, open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long spiral water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus.
 
Located aft on Promenade Deck and offering magnificent ocean views is “Serenity,” an exclusive new adults-only retreat.  Intended as an oasis for relaxation and comfort, “Serenity” offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, colorful oversized umbrellas, and two large whirlpools.  Here, guests can sip a variety of icy cocktails and frozen drinks or enjoy a light meal or snack from the nearby Lido restaurant.

The third element of the “Evolutions of Fun” top deck upgrades is a totally redesigned “resort-style” pool located mid-ship on Lido Deck featuring thatched roofing and large faux palm trees. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, comfortable deck chairs and a colorful tiled “beach” encircling the pool’s edge enhance the decidedly tropical ambiance.
 
New Dining Upgrades, ‘Circle C’ Center, Updated Suites
The ship’s Celebration and Jubilee main dining rooms, as well as the causal poolside Windows on the Sea Bar & Grill, have been renovated with striking new interiors, and updated carpeting, tile work and furniture.  Windows on the Sea also features a new Mongolian wok where guests can select their choice of meat, vegetables, and noodles and have the dish prepared before their eyes. A rotisserie has been added, as well, with roasted chicken, beef, and lamb, along with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments.
A new “Circle C” facility catering to the 12- to 14-year-olds has also been incorporated into Atlantic Deck forward. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles.

Cosmetic enhancements were also made to other shipboard areas, including renovated guest corridors and public bathrooms, a brand new décor and technical enhancements to the Electricity dance club, a host of new artwork, and updated furniture and fixtures in many staterooms.

Additionally, all of the ship’s 54 suites were remodeled with updated wall coverings, carpeting, tile work and lighting fixtures, as well as new bathrooms.  A number of connecting staterooms were incorporated, as well. 

Future Plans
The namesake vessel of the 70,000-ton Fantasy-class, Carnival Fantasy currently operates four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans.  On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso. 

Carnival Fantasy will sail from New Orleans through Nov. 5, 2009, then reposition to Mobile, Ala., to operate a special six-day cruise departing Nov. 10 followed by the launch of year-round four- and five-day service from that port Nov. 16.  Carnival Fantasy will be replaced in New Orleans by the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph in Nov. 2009. 
 
Reservations
Carnival is currently accepting reservations on the Carnival Fantasy’s departures from both New Orleans and Mobile.  For additional information and reservations, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 14th October 2008.

Grand Turk Open Again

The Grand Turk Cruise Center – closed since the passing of Hurricane Ike last month – today welcomed its first cruise ship, the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny.

Carnival Destiny guests had an opportunity to swim in the facility’s massive swimming pool, relax on an 800-foot-long private beach, and dine at the on-site Margaritaville restaurant and lounge.  The facility’s various shops were open, as well. 

Numerous shore excursions were also available, including Gibbs Key tour, dune buggy rentals, swimming with horses, and fishing and snorkeling expeditions.  The previously offered hop on/hop off bus tour is currently operating as a post-hurricane island tour.  Guests are charged a nominal fee for the tour and provided with a pledge card should they wish to donate to the United Way’s Grand Turk hurricane relief fund.

Shipboard employees are also participating in a beach clean-up initiative to assist in the island’s recovery.

The $60 million Grand Turk Cruise Center opened in 2006 and has become one of the cruise industry’s most popular Caribbean cruise destinations.  The 13-acre facility serves as a gateway to the pristine island of Grand Turk, which in addition to magnificent beaches, is world renowned for diving, snorkeling, fishing and other watersports.

Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess is the next cruise ship to call at the Grand Turk Cruise Center on Oct. 10.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 8th October 2008.

Carnivals New Guest Experience

Carnival Cruise Lines has created a new department focusing solely on developing innovative new on-board product opportunities and enhancing existing aspects of the “Fun Ship” vacation experience.

Overseeing the new guest experience and business development effort will be Christine Arnholt, a 17-year Carnival veteran who has served as the company’s vice president of marketing services for the past eight years. 

In her new role, Arnholt will assume the title of vice president of guest experience and business development. She will report to Carnival’s Executive Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Ruben Rodriguez.

“The ‘Fun Ship’ experience continues to evolve and this new department will be responsible for developing new and exciting on-board features and programming while building upon our proven strategies that will enable us to continue to deliver fun, memorable vacations for our guests,” said Rodriguez.  “We are grateful that someone as talented and knowledgeable as Chris will be heading up this new team.  Chris’ years of experience, keen insight into consumer trends and in-depth knowledge of our brand will be of tremendous value as we move forward with this important initiative,” he added.

Arnholt will oversee a team of talented product development professionals, including Mike Hunssinger, a five-year veteran of Carnival’s revenue management team, who will serve as director of guest experience and business development. 

Another key member of the department is Senior Director Sara Rosenberg, whose extensive experience includes leading branding and product development opportunities at Burger King and The Miami Herald.  For the past five years, Rosenberg was also the owner and president of Skirt Smart, a branding and innovation consulting group which focused on branding, product development and consumer research for companies within the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Additionally, Renata Ribeiro will be joining Carnival on Oct. 15, also as a senior director.  Ribeiro has spent the past three years spearheading the strategic planning and commercial innovation efforts for Natura, Brazil’s largest cosmetic company, and five years in the consumer goods and retail practice at The Boston Consulting Group.   She has extensive experience in product development and consumer experience, for both consumer goods companies and retailers.

Until Carnival’s current search for a new marketing chief is completed, Arnholt will continue in her current marketing responsibilities.

Carnival is the world’s largest and most popular cruise line, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages of three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.  The line currently has two 130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival Dream, set to debut Sept. 21, 2009, and Carnival Magic, scheduled to enter service in June 2011.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 6th October 2008.

Carnival Add More Balconies

Underscoring the tremendous popularity of its balcony staterooms, Carnival Cruise Lines will add balconies to a number of cabins on three ships during upcoming dry docks over the next few months.

Staterooms on the Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Liberty that currently feature floor-to-ceiling windows will be retrofitted with private balconies, creating a total of 48 additional 230-square-foot verandah staterooms on these vessels. 

Additionally, two new 750-square-foot “deluxe penthouse suites” – nearly double the size of the largest staterooms in the fleet – will be added to the Carnival Liberty.

“Balcony staterooms continue to be in great demand – in fact, they’re often the first cabin category to sell out,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience. “Therefore, we are pleased to incorporate additional balcony staterooms on Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Liberty, which will offer guests their own private, relaxing venue for viewing magnificent ocean vistas and scenery,” he added.

Like all “Fun Ship” accommodations, the new balcony staterooms on the Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Liberty will offer a host of in-cabin amenities, including the popular Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows. 

Carnival balcony accommodations also include soft terrycloth robes for guest use during their cruise, as well as satellite television, mini bars, hair dryers, ample closet space, and in-cabin amenity kits with a wide array of brand-name products.

The two new 750-square-foot “deluxe penthouse suites” on the Carnival Liberty will be largest in the “Fun Ship” fleet by far and feature a new cabin configuration with a separate bedroom, expansive living area, and two full bathrooms, including one with a bathtub tub.

Located on the ship’s forward section on Deck 9, the deluxe penthouse suites can accommodate up to five guests – rare in cruise industry staterooms – and include two twin beds that convert to a king, a sofa bed and two pull-down upper beds.        

The 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny began a new program of year-round four- and five-day Caribbean cruises from Miami last week. 

The 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph will continue its seven-day Caribbean schedule from Miami through next summer then sail on a series of Canada/New England voyages from New York before repositioning to New Orleans to launch year-round four-, five-, and seven-day Caribbean service in November 2009. 

The 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty, which currently operates seven-day Caribbean cruises from Miami, will reposition to Europe next summer to operate 12-day voyages to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.  The ship will resume its weeklong Caribbean program from Miami in December 2009.

The new balcony staterooms on these three vessels will be available for sale on October 3, 2008.

Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Liberty are part of the line’s 22- vessel “Fun Ship” fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America.  The line has two new ships scheduled to enter service between now and 2011.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 3rd October 2008.

Carnival Destiny Miami Sailings

When the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny begins a new schedule of four- and five-day cruises from Miami on Saturday, Sept. 27, it will not only provide consumers with an exciting new “Fun Ship” vacation option but will also be the largest ship to be deployed year-round on short cruise itineraries.

Additionally, the Carnival Destiny offers nearly 500 balcony staterooms and suites – the most of any ship operating a year-round short-cruise program – providing consumers with unprecedented variety in their accommodation choices.

Carnival Destiny’s deployment to Miami will also further solidify Carnival’s position as the short-cruise leader, with 29 such options from 12 U.S. homeports – the most in cruising.  In total, Carnival’s ships will operate nearly 850 departures of five days or less in length with roughly half of its 22-vessel fleet offering short cruise itineraries.

On its new Miami-based schedule, Carnival Destiny departs Thursdays on four-day cruises to Key West, Fla., and Cozumel, Mexico; Mondays on five-day cruises to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; and Half Moon Cay, a private Bahamian island; and Saturdays on five-day voyages to George Town, Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
         
In addition to providing a convenient and affordable vacation option, Carnival Destiny offers a host of on-board amenities, including some new features that were installed during a recent two-week dry dock. These include Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a massive 270-square-foot outdoor LED screen on Lido Deck displaying movies, concerts, sporting events and other programming, along with an expansive new “Circle C” facility catering to the 12- to 14-year-old age group.

Located on Sun Deck 12, “Circle C” features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles. A variety of cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting, wall coverings and tile work, were also completed.
           
Continued Expansion of Short Cruise Market
The deployment of the Carnival Destiny to Miami is one of several enhancements to the line’s short cruise programs. 

This past weekend, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fascination began year-round four- and five-day cruises from Jacksonville, Fla., becoming the newest and largest ship to sail from that port on a year-round basis.  The 2,052-passenger Carnival Imagination, which offers such features as a water park and adults-only area – all part of the “Evolutions of Fun” product enhancement initiative – began a new three- and four-day schedule from Miami last week, as well.

Next year, Carnival will dramatically expand capacity on its short cruise programs from Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans, when the 2,052-passenger Carnival Fantasy and the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph, respectively, launch new programs from those ports in November 2009.
 
A Spectacular ‘Fun Ship’
Carnival Destiny — the world’s first 100,000-plus-ton cruise ship — offers a host of resort-style facilities and features: 18 lounges and bars, including a 1,400-seat theater featuring lavish production revues, a 14,500-square-foot health and wellness center, a jogging track, an Internet café, ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service.

Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms with extensive menus and wine lists, a 1,200-seat poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria, a patisserie serving specialty coffees and sweets, and complimentary 24-hour room service.

In addition to the new “Circle C” facility for 12- to 14-year-olds, Carnival Destiny offers numerous other family friendly features, including a children’s program, “Camp Carnival,” catering to kids ages two to 11, and “Club O2,” the line’s award-winning teen program for 15- to 17-year olds.

Carnival Destiny also offers a variety of accommodation categories, including a wide range of balcony staterooms and suites. All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
 
Reservations
Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Destiny’s new four- and five-day cruise schedule from Miami.  For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 25th September 2008.

October Recharge For Carnival

Carnival Cruise Lines will roll out its first-ever “October Recharge” event featuring special offers throughout the month of October.

The month-long promotion will feature a variety of booking incentives, including free stateroom upgrades and special discounts on select “Fun Ship” cruises through 2009. 

The special offers are available in conjunction with a variety of “Fun Ship” departures, including a wide range of three- to five-day getaways to the Caribbean or Mexico, seven-day voyages to the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera, or longer length sailings to Europe and Alaska.

“In addition to offering excellent value, October is the perfect time to book a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise for some much-needed R&R as it is positioned perfectly between the busy summer period and the often-hectic holiday season,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.  

The October Recharge event will be promoted through banner ads and a special section within Carnival’s Web site, as well as e-mail blasts, and trade print advertisements.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, Bermuda, Europe, and South America.  The line has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Consumers interested in booking a cruise as part of the “October Recharge” promotion, may contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com/recharge beginning October 1.   

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 24th September 2008.

Carnivals Quebec Voyages

For guests seeking a unique cruise alternative with opportunities to view magnificent scenery and wildlife and visit three charming cities along the historic St. Lawrence River, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate a series of nine-day voyages to Quebec aboard the 102,000-ton Carnival Triumph in summer 2009. 

The cruises will operate round-trip from New York on June 25, July 23 and August 20, 2009.

In addition to visits to the fascinating cities of Quebec City, Baie-Comeau, and Havre St. Pierre, the new nine-day “Quebec - After the Glaciers” voyages include an unforgettable daylong cruise along the scenic St. Lawrence River, home to numerous whales and other marine life, along with awe-inspiring landscapes carved out of glaciers. 

Guests can also visit Quebec’s breathtaking nature and wildlife preserves where they can get an “up close and personal look” at the Canadian wilderness and view unique rock formations and native plant, sea and animal life.

The new nine-day Quebec departures are the latest additions to Carnival’s popular New York cruise schedule, which also includes four- and five-day eastern Canada voyages and seven-day fall foliage cruises aboard the Carnival Triumph June-August, and eight-day Caribbean sailings aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle, operating April-October.

“Carnival is always seeking exciting new itinerary choices and these new nine-day sailings provide guests of all ages an opportunity to experience and explore the natural wonders of Quebec, one of North America’s most historic and fascinating cruising regions,” Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.  “And when combined with a departure from New York – a convenient homeport and an exciting destination unto itself – these voyages are even more attractive,” Cahill added. 

He noted that this new program is ideal for multi-generational travel, offering an opportunity for families to experience and explore a truly unique and historic region that is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Exciting Nine-Day Quebec Cruises

Carnival Triumph’s nine-day Quebec voyages are highlighted by an extended 16-hour port call to Quebec City, which includes an optional shore excursion to Montreal, a cosmopolitan city of two million that is home to world-class museums and excellent restaurants and shopping.  Guests can also visit breathtaking Saguenay Fjord, home to no less than five different species of whales. 

The adventure continues with an eight-hour call at Baie Comeau where guests can visit Boreal Park — home to numerous former glacier fields — tour the Glacier Interpretation Center, and partake in a variety of exciting outdoor adventure activities.

During the eight-hour stop in Havre St. Pierre, guests can visit Parks Canada Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, which encompasses 93 square miles and includes  900 limestone islands and islets featuring 450 species of plants, over 200 species of birds and a wide variety of sea life.  Here, guests can witness the power of the glaciers that have been carved out of stone gigantic monoliths, spectacular cliffs and arches, creating a beautiful natural art form.

Carnival Triumph:  A Spectacular ‘Fun Ship’

Encompassing 13 passenger decks, Carnival Triumph offers a variety of on-board amenities: four restaurants, including two two-level main dining rooms and an expansive poolside eatery, along with four swimming pools, a 214-foot-long cascading water slide,  and 18 lounges and bars whose interiors are inspired by the world’s great bodies of water.

The ship also features a 14,500-square-foot health club, full casino gambling and a duty-free shopping mall. Expansive facilities and organized activities for “Camp Carnival,” “Circle C” and “Club O2,” catering to children, ’tweens and teens, respectively, are also available.  An Internet café, along with Wi-Fi access and cell phone service are featured, as well.

A majority of the ship’s 1,379 staterooms offer an ocean view or private balcony – perfect for scenic cruising.  All Carnival Triumph accommodations feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.

Reservations

Reservations are currently being accepted for Carnival Triumph’s new nine-day Quebec sailings from New York.

Round-trip air supplements from a variety of North American gateways, as well as special discounted rates for third and fourth guests sailing in the same stateroom, are also available.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 23rd September 2008.

Carnival Operate From Houston

As a result of the closure of the Port of Galveston due to damage from Hurricane Ike, Carnival Cruise Lines’ two Galveston-based ships, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy, are scheduled to operate their regular cruise programs from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal effective with this weekend’s departures.

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will resume its four- and five-day Mexico schedule from the Port of Houston starting with a five-day cruise departing Saturday, Sept. 20.  Beginning with the departure of Sunday, Sept. 21, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will depart Houston on seven-day cruises to the western Caribbean.  

Both vessels are currently docked in New Orleans where they were deployed following the closure of the Port of Galveston. Carnival Conquest will arrive at the Port of Houston on Thursday, Sept. 18, and Carnival Ecstasy on Friday, Sept. 19, to disembark those guests who opted to remain aboard the vessels following their previous voyages.    

“We are pleased to continue our Texas operations from the Port of Houston, which will be a convenient option for guests who have already made travel arrangements for previously scheduled Galveston departures,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.  “We are especially grateful to the Port of Houston for their responsiveness.  Many of their personnel involved in making this happen were dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike but set that aside to work with us on very short notice to assure that these vessels would continue to have a Texas homeport and with minimal disruption to our guests,” he added.

Cahill indicated that the company plans to return to Galveston as soon as the necessary repairs to the port facilities are completed.  “The Port of Galveston has been a valued and important partner since we launched year-round cruising from there in 2000.  We look forward to bringing both the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy back to the city as quickly as we can.  We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Galveston over the years and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of this wonderful city during this difficult time,” he said.

Carnival’s two Houston-based ships will operate the same itineraries as they did from Galveston. Carnival Conquest will sail seven-day western Caribbean voyages departing Sundays to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Carnival Ecstasy will depart Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel, and on Mondays and Saturdays on five-day voyages to Cozumel and Progreso.

The Port of Houston’s newly opened Bayport Terminal is an $81 million state-of-the-art facility with 96,000 square feet of space.  It is conveniently accessed from both of the city’s airports, and a variety of fine restaurants and shops are located nearby.   The Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy will be the first cruise ships to utilize the new facility.

Carnival’s 22-vessel fleet operates three- to 18-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two new ships scheduled to enter service between now and 2011.

For additional information contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Official Press Release Carnival Cruises dated 16th September 2008.

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